I saw a post on Facebook that someone saw elk at Great Smoky Mountain National Park. So I asked where the elk herd was. There were in the meadow near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. I was like we are going to attempt to see elk. I figured worst case scenario we had a pleasant drive along the Newfound Gap Road.
We drove the Newfound Gap Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center and as we got closer to the visitor center, there was an elk crossing sign. Then we saw cars pulled over and there was an entire field of elk.
I was surprised we saw the elk herd since it was in the middle of the day. We rarely see any wildlife on our trips so this was a first.
We parked on the side of the road and got out to take some pictures.
I did cross the road to get a few more pictures. I probably got a bit too close.
I have to admit I was slightly disappointed as none of them had antlers yet so it was hard to tell males from females. I also did not get to witness an elk bugling. That is still on the bucket list.
This was the first time seeing something other than deer or turkeys (or alligators and prairie dogs) in the wild. And since I couldn't see buffalo this year, I was more than happy to see alk. It was a sight to see and hopefully as we continue to explore the US we will have a chance to catch a glimpse of more wildlife.
If you get to Great Smoky Mountain National Park be on the look out for elk and bear. We did not see any bears but we were there at the wrong time of the day. Good luck in your wildlife spotting.
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